Preliminary data from 7,233 carlot samples from 47 counties showed an average test weight of 59.9 pounds per bushel, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and Kansas Grain Inspection Service Inc. For comparison purposes, last year’s crop averaged 60.5 pounds, while the 2004 – 2013 average was 60.7 pounds per bushel.

Protein content averaged 12.7 percent, down from 13.4 percent for 2014, but above the 10-year average of 12.4 percent. The Southwest and North Central Districts had the highest protein content at 13.1. Statewide, moisture content averaged 11.2 percent, down from 11.9 percent last year, but equal to the 10-year average.

Samples of wheat grading No. 1, at 53 percent, were down from 73 percent last year. Thirty-eight percent graded No. 2, compared to 26 percent in 2014, and 9 percent graded No. 3 or below. Wheat samples averaged 0.5 percent damaged kernels, up 0.1 percentage points from 2014 and the 10-year average. Samples tested had 0.1 percent foreign material on average, equal to last year and the 10-year average. Shrunken and broken kernels averaged 1.5 percent, up 0.5 percentage points from 2014 and up 0.3 percentage points from the 10-year average. Total defects averaged 2.0 percent, up 0.5 percentage points from 2014 and up 0.3 points from the 10-year average. Average dockage for all samples was 0.6 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from last year.

This is the only wheat quality release for the 2015 wheat harvest. Test weight, protein content, grade and defect determinations are made by Kansas Grain Inspection Service Inc. The data are summarized by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Collection and publication services are funded by the Kansas Wheat Commission.